Note: Somaliland’s first president,
Abdirahman Ali Tur, was elected president by clan elders soon after the region declared its independence from the rest of
Somalia in mid-1991. He held that position until 16 May 1993, when clan elders elected Mohamed Ibrahim Egal president for
a two-year term. In May 1995, Egal’s term was extended for another 18 months. New elections were held on 23 February
1997.

23 February 1997 Presidential Election*
(Chosen by members of the National Communities Conference, which acted as an electoral college)

Total Votes

Not Available

Abstentions/Invalid Votes

Not Available

Total Valid Votes

315

Candidate

Number of Votes

Mohamed Ibrahim Egal

223 (70.8%)

Suleiman Gaal

90 (28.6%)

Mohamed Hashi

2 (0.6%)

*Mohamed Ibrahim Egal died on 3 May 2002. Vice-president
Dahir Riyale Kahin completed his term until new elections were held in April 2003.